CHESTER'S unique Rows could sit alongside Stonehenge, The Giant's Causeway and Hadrian's Wall if a bid for World Heritage status is successful.

The honour is bestowed to a select group of historic places around the globe by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

This status leads to increased tourism for members of the elite group as well as adding to the sense of pride among residents and workers lucky enough to enjoy the environment all year round.

Next month a report will go to the city council's cabinet for it to consider whether an application based on the historic Rows should be submitted.

Howard Dickenson, design and conservation manager, who wrote the report, believes it's worth a try.

He said: 'It's worth the prize to say we are a World Heritage site. Whether it would bring more people to Chester I couldn't say but I think it would bring a certain amount of pride.'

He said the imponderable question was how the Rows would measure up on an international scale when assessed by independent judges.

Mr Dickenson said: 'If we do go for it, it's not particularly expensive but it will take a lot of effort. We would have to submit an application to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and apply to go on the tentative list.

'It could take a year to do that, but this tentative list is only reviewed every 10 years so there is a tail-back.'

It would then be up to the UK Government to submit its favoured application to UNESCO for consideration as a World Heritage site.

It would also be necessary to provide a certificate of authenticity - an archaeological assessment to prove The Rows were of genuine historic value.

Are the Rows worthy of World Heritage status? Telephone: 01244 606424/5